Gutsy No8 Jason Cutbush, dynamic flanker George McPherson and lock Ben Bennett were all prominent for Central.
Clive 29 MAC 14
MAC also tasted defeat on their club day with this Flaxmere Park loss.
Like Hastings, K9 Petfoods Clive moved into semifinal contention with their bonus point victory. Lock Josh Eden-Whaititi, Aussie No8 Lucas Goodin, who scored two tries, and flanker James Tango were inspirational in Clive's engine room and first five-eighths Tianua Poto was the best of the backs.
"After our big 51-20 loss to Taradale it was good to get our season back on track," Eden-Whaitiri said.
A son of former Clive player Dion Whaitiri, Eden-Whaitiri, 26, returned to the club towards the end of the Nash round after stints in Australia and Britain and has certainly added value to the side's set piece play.
Former Clive No8 Api Sione and flanker Ramiha Smiler were tireless workers in the MAC pack and halfback Colin Hokianga was the pick of the backs.
Bottom-of-the-table MAC paid the price for some poor options including the regular pushing of passes when they weren't on and far too often they lacked the necessary numbers at the breakdown.
Taradale 66 Tamatea 0
Carters Frame and Truss Taradale exposed an injury-depleted Tamatea outfit big time with this 10-try Bill Mathewson Park romp.
Flanker Wayne Kemp was a workaholic in the visiting forward pack. Fullback Dan McIntyre, who took his try tally to 11 in his last four games, joined experienced centre Josh Mahoni as the best of the Taradale backs.
Tamatea coach Adam McDonald said with eight regular starters, four backs and four forwards injured, it was always going to be a difficult assignment. His troops were unlucky to have a late try disallowed.
Taniera Miratana, who also played 80 minutes for the club's reserve grade team, fellow winger Ash Robinson and No8 Tawhiti Prisk impressed with their never-say-die approach for the hosts.
NOBM 59 Tech 20
HBI Insurances Napier Old Boys Marist second five-eighths Sam Giddens slotted all nine of his attempts at goal in this Whitmore Park victory.
With eight conversions, a penalty and a try, player of the day Giddens finished the match with 24 points. Tighthead prop Jarvy Aoake remained on track for a second season of first-class rugby and hooker Logan Ede produced his best display of the season for NOBM.
The late withdrawal of midfielder Ted Walters with the flu was a big blow for Tech Group of Companies Napier Technical. Hooker Lani Latu, winger Jordan Faia and fullback Tane McGuire were the best of the Texans.
Pirate 26 Havelock 25
Tanalised Napier Pirate Rugby and Sports substitute winger Josh Kennedy's last-minute try secured this Tamatea Park victory for the hosts.
"Our boys were dropping like flies in what was a physical encounter so we were relieved to win," Pirate manager Charles Reid said.
Kane Nepe-Apatu, who had stints in the midfield and on the wing, joined halfback Matt Murtha as the best of the Pirate backs. Flanker Pouvi Fatialofa and locks Marcus Donovan and Mike Albert were busy at the coalface.
Progressive Meats Havelock North manager Layton Onekawa said his troops were too inconsistent while their hosts played as if they had one extra player.
Veteran loosie Luke Ottley was outstanding in his return from injury.
